“DiAngelo.”
He nods, bushy white brows drawn in concentration. “A strong name—Italian?”
“Yes, sir.” My upbringing sneaks in before I can catch myself and leave off the sir. It’s a show of respect and, in a way, submission, which is something I’m not sure I’m ready to concede, but what’s done is done.
The old man’s response surprises me. He seems to sober thoughtfully before giving me a single nod. “Yes, you interest mea good deal, DiAngelo. I think you and I could learn much from one another.”
He unleashes an ear-piercing whistle from his lips without using his hands and nods after making eye contact with a man across the room. The next thing I know, a new tray of food is placed before me, and Grisha’s tray is brought to him.
I have no clue if this guy’s interest in me is good or bad, but one thing is certain: he’s royalty among these men.
“Eat.” He nudges me. “It tastes like shit, but it’s better than being hungry. We eat, and you tell me how it is you ended up joining us here, yeah?” He lifts his fork and takes a bite, signaling my turn.
With nothing better to do, I oblige him and quietly recap my life’s rapid descent into hell.
Elioand I were ten when our parents took us to Atlantic City. They weren’t the gambling sort, but they took us to check out one of the big casinos while we were in town. I remember being stunned by the flashing lights and constant barrage of sounds. I also remember being so damn confused. It was impossible to tell your way around in that place, and with no windows, time seemed to disappear. We went in midafternoon, yet it was dark when we left. I remember thinking,How on earth has so much time passed so quickly?
Prison is the same way.
Two years fly by faster than I imagined possible.
“In six months, when I’m out, we will drink to freedom.” Grisha grins.
“So long as you don’t fuck it up and do something stupid to prolong your sentence.” It’s a joke. The man works the systembetter than the warden himself. He’ll be out in six months, and I’ll absolutely drink with him to our freedom. He’s the only reason I’ve survived the past twenty-four months, after all. I’ve learned some hard lessons from him, but I’ve also learned to let go.
I’ll never fully forgive myself for my carelessness that caused me to lose my brother. Those actions, no matter how innocent, are unforgivable. But they are also tools that can be used to refine my purpose in life. My mistakes have molded me, and I’m ready to carve out a place for myself in the world.
“Go on.” Grisha motions with his head. “Get out of here. Your pretty face is making me sick.”
I chuckle and make my way to processing. It’s time to go home, wherever that is. I’ll stay with my parents at first, but only because I have no other option. I’m dreading that house more than I ever dreaded going to prison.
They were generous with their visits, and I couldn’t bring myself to tell them to stay away, but seeing their faces guts me every single time. I don’t know how I’ll handle being with them day in and day out. And on top of that, Elio’s absence will be that much more prominent when I’m sleeping in my childhood bedroom, hearing the phantom calls of a voice that sounds the same as my own.
As expected, they’re both waiting for me when I step outside with my plastic sack of belongings. They grin from ear to ear and envelop me in a crushing group hug. It’s not as uncomfortable as I expected, but that niggling voice won’t allow me to fully enjoy the moment, either.
They probably hate you for what you’ve done. They may not say it, but you know it’s there.
I take a deep breath and force a smile. “Thanks for coming.”
“We’ve been counting down the days.” Mom beams up at me. “And my goodness, you’ve grown, and not just in height. Youmust lift weights every day.” She’s seen me plenty of times and knows exactly how big I am, but I agree, seeing them beyond the confines of that building feels different.
“Not much else to do in there.” I smirk, trying to keep things light.
“Now, the world is your oyster. Let’s get you home.” Dad claps his hand on my back and leads us toward the car. His sentiment is right, though I doubt he interprets it the same way I do. I have plans for myself. They’re just not the plans he’d likely have wanted for me.
I don’t worry about that now.
Today is about enjoying my family as best as I can and giving them the solace my return allows. Tomorrow, I track down Cosimo Costa and express my desire to pledge myself to the Moretti Family.
I’ve had plenty of time to consider my options. The straight and narrow doesn’t suit me any longer. I’ve seen behind the curtain and know the facade of civility in our world is meaningless. We’re governed by the law of the jungle just as much now as we were thousands of years ago—eat or be eaten—and I was made to devour.
CHAPTER 35
TERINA
Present
At what pointdo you start charging rent from the elephant in the room? Is ten days enough? Because that’s how long it’s been since Tommy’s call. I’ve grown so accustomed to the elephant’s awkward presence that I feel like I should at least do her the decency of naming her.
